About this experience
On this excursion you will understand that Ghent is a very beautiful Flemish city, unfairly overshadowed by cities like Bruges and Antwerp! You will see here an architectural exhibition of all styles: Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, Classicism, Art Nouveau, Modernism, hear interesting stories about the past and present of the city.
What to expect
Secrets of Ghent
I will reveal to you many legends, traditions, and real stories, sometimes detective ones. You will learn why the people of Ghent are called 'gallows birds', hear about the prisons and madhouses in the Middle Ages, about the first industrial espionage, why columns were wrapped in fresh ham, and much more.
You will see the three main 'verticals' of the city: the Churches of St. Bavo, St. Nicholas, St. Michael, and the Belfry (watchtower), guild houses on the embankments, the City Hall, the Butcher's Hall, the Count's Castle, the Grain, Vegetable, and Friday Markets, and many cozy and romantic places where you can take amazing pictures!
Masterpieces of Ghent
Or are you just the tourist who strives to Ghent just to see the world masterpiece 'Adoration of the Mystic Lamb' by the Van Eyck brothers? You will examine the famous triptych of 24 panels and unravel its phenomenon and 'subtext'. I will reveal to you its secret symbols and tell you an amazing story full of scandals, misunderstandings, and adventures.
Gastronomy of Ghent
And finally, of course, I will advise you on where to have a snack or have a hearty meal. Where to get acquainted with real Flemish or Belgian cuisine, which is considered the best in Europe alongside French cuisine. Taste traditional local dishes - rabbit with prunes, duck with oranges, eel in green sauce, mussels in wine sauce, or pork ribs in honey sauce. Where in one of the old taverns you can drink Trappist beer made by the hands of monks, or find your favorite among 700 varieties of Belgian beer, and the lovely ladies can enjoy cherry, apricot, raspberry, apple, or banana beer.
Organizational details
- Additional expenses: entrance to the Ghent Altarpiece - 16 euros, Count's Castle - 12 euros.
- For the convenience of travelers, I use a microphone with wireless headphones (cost - 3€ per person). This service is optional, but I strongly recommend taking headphones if there are more than 6 people.
- You can reach Ghent by train from Brussels (30 minutes) and from Antwerp (1 hour).
- The streets in the central historic part of the city are paved with cobblestones, so comfortable shoes without heels are necessary.
